I have been looking for a switch and am thinking I don't understand switches.
I thought for sure I would have found what I was looking for at Radio Shack.
But I didn't. And now that I am searching online, I am realizing I don't know what I am looking for.
I want a rotary type switch which will allow me 6 selections for providing power to only one of those 6 positions at a time.
All I'm finding in my searches appears to be what Radio Shack has.
Knobs that are just knobs. They don't appear to come as a complete switch but part of the switch. And it appears potentiometers are whats combined in listings.
Is that what a rotary switch is? A knob added onto a pot?
If so, I'll run back to RS. And if so, I am prolly gonna have a good laugh with the workers there.

 

Rotary switch is basically switch that has one "main line" connected to the rotating segment which has an "arm" that goes over contacts and switches the el. They were mostly used in old radios and TVs.They can have multiple decks.

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Rota...n-1-Deck-Channel-Freeshipping/1377074319.html

http://hr.mouser.com/ProductDetail/...EpiMZZMvNbjZ2WlReYkMRQ%2b%2bBkxIQKI1VMtNfRFc=

 

A rotary switch is NOT a knob added to a pot. It is exactly what you describe, a switch which will allow you to provide power to one of several selections (there are better descriptions, but I wished to use your words). For example, look at this http://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/56D36-01-1-AJN/GH5603-ND/98652

The thing is, you may not be able to find exactly 6 positions, but can use a higher number and ignore the positions you don't need.

 

And then the knob screws onto those I take it since they have threads. How do I match a knob with the switch?
Will this knob: http://hr.mouser.com/Search/ProductDetail.aspx?qs=Y2Zpjet3vBfde2f8phJafw==
work with the the second one in your links?
http://hr.mouser.com/ProductDetail/...EpiMZZMvNbjZ2WlReYkMRQ%2b%2bBkxIQKI1VMtNfRFc=

 

Yes it will fit.

 

Thanks! How did you figure it out?

 

Read the datasheet from rotary switch it says 6.35mm on page 4.
The flat part is for tightening bolt.

 

I see it now in the data sheet for the switch. And then in the listing for the knob it also states shaft size of 6.35mm.
Now I know what to look for.

Thank you.

 

Look for D-Shaft Instrument Control Knob if it has a flat side on the shaft.D shaped shaft knobs are less common so look for rotary switch that has star shaped hole.

 

It's also worth mentioning that you can buy rotary switches with a moveable stop.

This one at Mouser for example.

If you read it's a 1 pole 2-12 position. The shaft carries a washer with a protruding metal pin that can be inserted into the switch to restrict the rotary movement at the required number of poles.

You also need to be aware that some switches make before break or break before make when rotated, something to be aware as either may or may not be something you want in your application.

 

I just read something similar about that difference, but I think in what I read it was called shorted vs non-shorted.
What does this mean, to make and break?

By the way, I sent an e-mail to Mouser. $120 to ship two plastic parts less than a 1/4 lb has to be an error. Their shipping is goofed up.

 

Don't order from mouser they used to have normal UPS but few years ago they smoked some pot and decided to limit their business to big boys only,so unless you are ordering wast quantities of parts there is no point.

Here's one from Jameco.

http://www.jameco.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10001_10001_101574_-1

 

Make before Break means that the next connection is made before the last connection is broken. Also known as a shorting switch. Break before Make means that the last connection is broken before the next connection is made. Also known as a non-shorting switch.

 

Make before Break means that the next connection is made before the last connection is broken. Also known as a shorting switch. Break before Make means that the last connection is broken before the next connection is made. Also known as a non-shorting switch.

O ya, that's a big difference. Thank you for telling me that. That can cause some serious damage, not knowing the difference.
PHEW!

 

Hi,

If you can get away with it, a slide switch will be cheaper. 300ma sliders are around $2 USD online. Higher current ones are more expensive though.

 

Hey foolios...Radioshack definitely carries this--at least the ones where I live do!

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=20198426

 

Hey foolios...Radioshack definitely carries this--at least the ones where I live do!

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=20198426

I just picked one up. Thing is, it doesn't give me it's AC rating. I see it's rated for 30v DC. The one just like it at another site said 30vDC and 120vAC, so I am assuming it's the same.
Do you know?

 

Hi,

If you can get away with it, a slide switch will be cheaper. 300ma sliders are around $2 USD online. Higher current ones are more expensive though.

Thanks, I saw it and almost got that one too.

 

I just picked one up. Thing is, it doesn't give me it's AC rating. I see it's rated for 30v DC. The one just like it at another site said 30vDC and 120vAC, so I am assuming it's the same.
Do you know?

Its rated 30 VAC.The problem is they didn't say if its shorting or not,and since its rated for 30V AC it doesn't mean it can take 30V DC so be careful with voltage you are switching.

This rotary switch is ideal for project or replacement use.

• Switch rating: 30V AC 0.3A
• Rotation torque: 1.0 ± 0.5kg.cm
• Rotation angle: 30 degree ±3
• Contact resistance: below 30-milliohms
• Insulation resistance: above 100-megaohms

 

Hi,

Yes that's a good point. Many switches have both an AC rating and a DC rating while some do not have both. I would make sure it has the rating i was going to use it with.

Also while discussing these ratings, let it be noted that some listings of switches show a higher rating than the switch actually has in real life. It can be much different too like 10 times higher. I think it is because they make a typo and type something like "3 amps" instead of "0.3 amps" but this is just ridiculous for some place that sells parts to overlook. This means you must look up and check the data sheet carefully, not rely on the place that is selling the part to post the correct ratings.